Equipment
TaylorMade makes big claims about new TP5 and TP5x golf balls
It’s not often you hear a company directly address another company by name — after all, they’re competitors — especially when it’s a titan in the industry. But that’s exactly what TaylorMade did at the launch for its new TP5 and TP5x golf balls.
Titleist is the most played golf ball on the professional tour, and the No. 1 ball in golf. That’s no secret, and TaylorMade readily admits it. TaylorMade says, however, that it has been able to create a longer, lower-spinning tour ball than the leader in the industry due to its proprietary designs.
TaylorMade was willing to demonstrate those claims in front of an audience full of media members at its launch event, using former amateur standout and new TaylorMade staffer Jon Rahm. The test pitted Rahm’s current golf ball, the Titleist Pro V1x, against TaylorMade’s TP5x.
At the range at The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, Rahm tested both golf balls in windy conditions (blowing slightly into, and left-to-right), hitting off of the wispy Bermuda grass. After hitting 7-irons and 4-irons, Trackman numbers supported TaylorMade’s claims of higher ball speeds, lower spin and more distance — upward of 10 yards gained on multiple shots. In the wind, as you’d expect, a lower-spinning shot is preferable since it’s less affected by the conditions.
“It’s a higher ball flight, and isn’t spinning as much (as the the Pro V1x),” Rahm said of the TP5x golf balls. “It just goes farther.” Bear in mind, Rahm is a young staffer who’s paid by TaylorMade.
TaylorMade also claimed at the launch event that the balls are high-spinning around the green compared to their previous models, the Tour Preferred and Tour Preferred X, in addition to being longer and higher-launching.
“No (tour golf ball) is better than us inside 100 yards,” said Eric Loper, TaylorMade’s director of golf ball R&D.
So, in terms of technology and design, what’s different about these TP5 and TP5x golf balls that’s allowing these big claims?
While the previous line had a Tour Preferred X golf ball that was made with five layers, the new line now expands that 5-layer design into both the TP5 and TP5x golf balls. There’s also a new, larger “Tri-Fast” core, and a “Dual-Spin” cover that creates more spin with wedges, but less spin with lower-lofted clubs.
TaylorMade TP5x and TP5 (right) are both 5-piece golf balls.
According to TaylorMade’s initial tour player testing, the TP5 and TP5x will be higher launching with irons (1-2 degrees), lower spinning (500-1000 rpm with irons, 0-200 rpm with a driver) and longer (+7-10 yards with irons, +2-4 yards with a driver).
The cores of the golf balls are extremely low-compression (TP5x = 25, TP5 = 16), according to TaylorMade, with a stiffer outer core and an even stiffer mantle layer. The three layers combine to restrict spin and improve energy transfer, and less spin directly leads to higher launch, according to the company.
This faster core is coupled with a cover made from two pieces; a cast urethane, 322-dimpled seamless cover and a rigid thermoplastic inner cover. The firmer inner cover is said to force the softer, outer cover into the grooves of the wedges in order to create more friction, and thus more backspin around the greens.
The TP5x (90 compression) is said to launch higher and feel firmer than the softer TP5 golf ball (83 compression), which has a “mid-launch,” according to the company. Both golf balls will sell for $44.99 per dozen and will be in stores March 1, 2017.
Correction: The original article stated that the TP5 and TP5X could provide distance gains of 2-4 yards with irons and 7-10 yards with a driver. The story has been corrected to say that the balls could provide distance gains of 7-10 yards with irons and 2-4 yards with a driver.
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The tournament bearing the name of one of golf’s all-time greats is now known as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Back in 2017, it was still the AT&T Byron Nelson and Billy Horschel was still a full-bag PXG staffer. The Florida Gator leveraged those wares to a playoff victory over Jason Day securing his fourth PGA Tour win in the process.
Check out the clubs Horschel had in play seven years ago in Texas.
Driver: PXG 0811X (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Tour Spec Black 6 X
3-wood: PXG 0341X (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
5-wood: PXG 0341 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
Irons: PXG 0311T (3, 5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: PXG 0311T Milled (52-10, 56-10, 60-07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: PXG Bat Attack
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 1.0
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Billy Horschel’s gear from 2017 here.
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More than most golfers would care to admit, confusion often reigns when it comes to selecting a wedge — let alone configuring an entire wedge setup. Make? Model? Loft? Grind? Finish? Two wedges? Three wedges? Four? The questions abound!
While it’s easy to get off the fairway and deep into the rough quickly, the framework question for choosing wedges is the same as the entirety of the golf bag: How should I set up my golf bag to shoot the lowest score possible?
Manufacturers, in addition to, well, manufacturing golf clubs, also understand that golfers need to make informed decisions to get the most out of their equipment. It’s with this in mind, and to help golfers answer the aforementioned foundational question about their wedge setup, that Cleveland Golf has launched its wedge selector too.
To learn more, we talked with Cleveland’s Senior Product Manager, Casey Shultz.
GolfWRX: What was Cleveland seeing in the marketplace that led to the development of the wedge selector? How do golfers benefit?
Casey Shultz: Currently, there is a lot of talk about what grind players should play and what is right for their game in that aspect of selecting a wedge. But there is more to improving wedge play than finding the proper grind. We would even argue it’s one of the smaller dials for improvement. Players can find more success with wedges designed from head shape to shaft, sole width, gapping, and then the grind. Putting a system in place that makes the process of selecting the right wedge easier is something we feel can have a massive impact, especially for recreational players.
GolfWRX: Now, in breaking down Cleveland’s wedge selector tool, the point of departure is figuring out whether you’re an RTX or CBX player. Can you briefly spell out who each of these wedges is for?
CS: For lower handicappers, the RTX series is our tour-validated line of blade wedges. These are for players looking to play a lot of open-faced shots around the green, prioritize workability, and like to flight their wedges. CBX wedges are designed to make the short game easier, while still offering some level of versatility for the mid-high handicapper looking for a wedge that will reduce chunks and add forgiveness on all strikes. CBX’s are also a great option due to them blending well in weight and shaping with more cavity back iron sets.
GolfWRX: Proceeding through the RTX wedge selector, one of the first forks in the road is wedge finish. Can you break down the finish options and the considerations for a golfer in making their selection?
CS: With the RTX series we offer Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Rack finishes. Tour Satin is our most popular finish and offers the most grind options. With HydraZip face blasts on the newest RTX Wedges, glare is significantly reduced at address compared to other silver finish offerings. Black Satin offers custom skin options as personalization and is one of the more durable black finishes on the market but will have some visible wear over time especially on the sole. Finally, Tour Rack is our tour authentic raw finish that will rust over time. The Tour Rack finish also comes with the option of applying any of our Tour Crafted leading edge and sole grind offerings to the Wedge for players really looking to fine-tune their performance.
GolfWRX: Can you walk us through the rest of the RTX wedge fitting process?
CS: Once players have selected their preferred finish, we gather information on their iron set and loft preferences to determine proper gapping. A properly gapped set of wedges, both with each other and transitioning from a player’s last iron, is key to ensuring their set covers a wide range of approach yardages well. We then ask specific questions about the performance the player is looking to achieve in their sand and lob wedges to determine proper grinds for each of those wedges. Lastly, we confirm a preference for traditional or Full-Face grooves at each loft. Full-Face grooves offer a new level of versatility, especially with open-face shots, but it’s up to the player if they want to transition to this groove design. Our algorithm will then take these results and determine a set of wedges best suited to the player’s game.
GolfWRX: Let’s circle back to grinds. Is there a grind configuration across their wedges you’re seeing the majority of players choose or is it pretty evenly divided?
CS: The MID grind is certainly the most popular grind across all lofts, with the blend of versatility and forgiveness in a wide range of conditions suiting many players. In sand wedge lofts, the second most popular grind is our FULL, which has a little more bounce than the MID and is especially effective out of the sand or rough. In lob wedge lofts, the popular alternative to the MID is the LOW grind, offering max versatility around the greens. We’re also seeing more amateur and tour players opt for our Full-Face models, especially in the lob wedge lofts where they are planning to open the face and get creative around the greens.
GolfWRX: Can you take us through the CBX wedge selector?
CS: In the CBX selector, we start by determining if a player is looking to play a lob wedge or not. For many recreational golfers, a lob wedge may not be necessary for the consistent short-game performance they are looking to achieve. Next, the CBX selector focuses on ensuring players end up with a set that transitions well into their irons, while also staying within the constraints of a player’s bag setup. With new players distance, game improvement, and super game improvement iron lofts becoming stronger than those of the past, creating a properly gapped set of wedges is trickier than ever for these players. The selector tool takes the guesswork out of the equation, while also considering a player’s set makeup and interest in replacing a wedge. Finally, players are given the option of when or if they would like to transition into a Full-Face design for added spin on strikes all over the face.
GolfWRX: Is there anything else you think GolfWRXers need to know about Cleveland’s wedge selector tool?
CS: Our wedge selector tool is designed to be used in concert with our set builder webpages. At completion of the selector, a player’s recommended wedge set will automatically be applied to the appropriate set builder. From there, they can easily adjust components or build specs to every Wedge all in one place. Players can also add Tour Crafted sole and leading edge grinds to refine their performance on our Tour Rack wedges, or personalize custom characters, skins, and paintfill in the same place. It’s a one-stop shop to build the perfect wedge set for any player’s game.
This article was presented in partnership with Cleveland Golf. Check out the wedge selector here.
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Equipment
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
On Tuesday, LIV announced their individual championship will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club just outside of Chicago. The event will take place September 13-15.
The late announcement is seemingly due to LIV looking for the right course in the Chicago area that has the infrastructure that can accommodate a professional event.
The choice of Bolingbrook Golf Club has received some feedback on social media.
Maybe Rich Harvest Farms wasn't available? RHF is 50miles from Chicago but at least it's surrounded by farm land so plenty of space to set up
— Crawf_Indiana (@captaincrawf) April 30, 2024
Awful course choice, it's a dog track!
— Rob (@piratedwight) April 30, 2024
????#LOOK: Bolingbrook GC in Illinois, site of LIV Golf’s just announced Individual Championship has tee times available around the $50 mark.
Are you teeing it up here? pic.twitter.com/b8Lgv9ZzhK
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 30, 2024
LIV fans were quick to point out that Bethpage Black, which is hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, can also be played for a reasonable price, making the point the greens fees don’t always equate to the quality of the golf course.
During LIV’s first two seasons, LIV utilized Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago. It’s unclear why that course is off the rotation in favor of Bolingbrook.
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JonS
Apr 29, 2017 at 10:58 pm
Every year golf manufacturers make many claims with their golf balls, and rarely are they fair or head to head comparisons to support said claims. The Taylormade Golf TP5x golf ball is legitimate and produces interesting results. Simply grab a 7 iron and see for yourself. I found the ball went higher and further and was excellent in the wind. It felt slightly firmer than the ProV1x golf ball, but that’s something that can be easily sacrificed for the performance.
Almdudler
Dec 13, 2016 at 10:49 am
Who really want to have lower spin with the irons? Professionals usually controls their spin great! And amateurs mostly have trouble holding greens.
Almost all irons in the GI and SGI market are stronger lofts/high launch with less spin.
I want my 4-7 iron to one hop and stop.. Not bounce and roll off the green. Why is nobody thinking of this?
Prime21
Dec 18, 2016 at 11:07 am
That is what you WANT ur 4-7 to do, but they don’t. Amateur players face the same issues with their golf ball as they do with their irons, high launch, high spin. If you bring both issues down equally, a problem is created. Through technology, TM has given the average player the ability to offset these issues with clubs/balls that launch high with less spin. Now the player has the ability to stop a ball on a green with a proper land angle NOT an over abundance of spin. Tour players have always been concerned with launch charateristics, especially in the wind (think Tiger at the 2000 US Open). If one cannot arrive with less effective loft than when they started, their ball is going to balloon, period. Technological advancements mean players will get similar results without having to manipulate their shots (ball back, shaft forward, less loft) guving them the ability to make more of a “stock” swing, instead of a “flighted” one.
Taylor Made has thought of this, but it’s obvious that YOU haven’t put much effort into YOUR thought process. Before you decide to post again, please make some effort to understand the science behind that which you are attempting to speak intelligently about. Otherwise, we will get another ignorant “hate” post that makes ZERO sense & this site has already reached maximum capacity with these types of posts. I hope your skull and roll iron shots improve for the 2017 season!
Ben
Mar 14, 2017 at 5:42 pm
You nailed it. While there is a lot of BS marketing, I’m getting pretty tired of the haters. I’ve recently switched to the TP5 bc it feels great off the putter and performed better in the wind. We’re literally splitting hairs, but I hit 5 balls on multiple holes into the wind (Chrome Soft X, Pro V1/1x, TP5/5x) and the TPs consistently performed slightly better. Combine that with not shearing as easily as the Pro Vs and it’s become a no brainer. Now if only the TPs came in Tour Yellow.
Smizzly
Dec 9, 2016 at 2:31 pm
“TaylorMade makes big claims”
Truly shocking.
Srixon and Bstone make much better balls than Callaway, Tmade and Titleist.
Dave
Dec 9, 2016 at 7:17 am
blah blah blah blah
justin
Dec 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm
Callaway super soft the ones that look like soccer balls, that’s what I play and I honestly have never hit a better ball
Joe Galbreth
Dec 8, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Ditto Justin….I really like the TruVis. Callaway is coming out with a newer Chrome Soft next spring. It also will have the TruVis design.
Feel the Bern
Dec 8, 2016 at 10:24 am
heard this ball is 10% longer with the putter. Loft down!
Greg
Dec 8, 2016 at 4:46 am
Lots of truly great balls out there. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to ProV1, you should have no trouble doing so.
I’m just numb to anything Taylormade tells me anymore. From drivers,to irons, to balls, they make some good stuff…I m just staging my own mini protest and just won’t buy any of it.
Brad
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:04 pm
I am 99% with you Greg. I despise TM for every product…. except their golf balls. I switched 2 years ago to the TPx, and can honestly say there is not a better ball on the market. Period. I would be shocked if you couldn’t notice at least a slight advantage. It’s rare that I find a person as “brand-centric” as myself, so even suggesting this for a TM product is saying something coming from me. Give em a try.
Aa
Dec 8, 2016 at 7:22 pm
We’re not all idiots like you, Brad, and are just happy, positive, forward-thinking innovative people who love Taylormade, and have done so since the 90s. TM have been miles ahead in tech and everybody else are still laying catch up. Why wouldn’t you play their metals? Because you’re an idiot.
Jalan
Dec 17, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Your Avatar is appropriate. You certainly act like a little child, as well.
Jeffrey Purtell
Dec 8, 2016 at 12:57 am
Let me guess, these balls are more forgiving also.
Rj
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:21 am
Balls have been forgiving ever since Precept Lady
RJ's Man Card
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Personally, I wouldn’t know anything about that. We’ll just have to take your word for it, and trust your experience in using Ladies golf balls.
bh
Dec 8, 2016 at 3:57 pm
The Precept Lady ball was a great ball. The changed the name to Laddie so the cavemen could be ok with playing them.
Mort
Dec 8, 2016 at 10:50 pm
The Lady is what came before the ProVs, is what ProV was copied from
Wayne J Bosley
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:46 pm
Well they had to come up with something different and “special” seeing they are made by Nassau Korea and the Kirkland is so close to the TP models in structure and performance ,,,,,
Henry
Dec 9, 2016 at 8:28 am
The K-Sig is a 4 piece, these are both 5 piece. Yeah, there are comparable balls out there, but the K-Sig isnt one of them.
Smitty
Dec 12, 2016 at 8:27 am
The K-Sig ball is made at the same factory as the TP balls. It’s the same ball as the current TP 4-piece ball. TM had to respond by adding another layer and some marketing hype.
James
Dec 7, 2016 at 9:05 pm
What happens if you are hitting it with the new M1 or the new Proto irons? TM clubs on TM balls. Please tell me that it’s the greatest combination imaginable.
Seriously though, I need to know the durability of the cover. I tear the cover with full wedge shots of the previous TP balls. I am really interested in the seamless cover!
TexasSnowman
Dec 7, 2016 at 4:52 pm
7-10 yds with the Driver…..Question: At any swing speed, Launch Angle, etc? TM makes a claim without any supporting information as usual. I would pay more than $45 dozen for extra 10 yards with the driver, but given the history of TM (17 yds!, etc) and USGA parameters for golf balls. I am very skeptical of their advertising, even with the staged event with Rahm.
Josh
Dec 7, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Sorry TM. Kirkland signatures 2 doz for $30.
John meikle
Dec 7, 2016 at 2:45 pm
Those extra 2 yards will make sure I reach the rough and those pesky fairway bunkers…
Guia
Dec 7, 2016 at 6:46 pm
Why do you think the difference is 2 yards, or were you being funny?
Guia
Dec 7, 2016 at 6:48 pm
Oh, I re-read, and irons are 2 – 4 yards. Your right that is minimum, but 7 – 10 off of the driver is quite a bit.
rymail00
Dec 7, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Granted it is a gain, but small with the irons but like you said that’s a lot with the driver.
What I find shocking if true is that it can knock off 200rpm on irons and 500-1000 rpm with woods. That’s a HUUUGE claim…..and kinda hard to believe. I wonder if those numbers got put in backwards and should be 500-1000 for irons and 200 for woods?
Guia
Dec 7, 2016 at 11:02 pm
I think that the stats would mean more if they used Iron Byron.
Steve S
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Exactly! Best ball test ever done was by consumer reports 7 or 8 years ago. Used the Iron B. hitting driver and 8 iron. Measured distance and accuracy. Showed that the expensive balls were good but not worth the money. Their best buy was the Titliest DT Solo, about the cheapest ball in the test.
Jim
Dec 7, 2016 at 2:28 pm
ProV’s are the most over rated over priced balls of all time. Forget Trackman. Test honestly yourself. Go to the 150 yd dot, and hit 2 of your proV with whatever you hit 150. Then drop a Bridgestone Rx, B330s, Callaway SR or Chrome and see.
When I was a kid, you found TopFlites in the woods / fescue….rarley a Titleist, Maxfli or Slazenger Balata. Walk the edges now and ProV’s are everywhere. People that shouldn’t be playing them to begin with get tired of looking on every hole! By the 5th /6th they just drop another.
not surprised anything performed better, and NO, I’m not a TM guy. I wouldn’t play anything from TM unless the paid
me beaucoup, then I’m sure they’d find something in the Tour-Only box I’d dig
Jonno
Dec 7, 2016 at 6:24 pm
this guy gets it, prov1’s are the most over-rated piece of golf equipment ever made. If you really believe that any of the other golf companies couldn’t dissect a prov1 and analyse exactly what makes it the way it is – then you’re just crazy. What the other golf companies are trying to do is get the same marketing and brand loyalty that the prov1 garners – the product has been overtaken by larger budgeted competitors years ago, but they still sell the most! Titleist also pay more golf professionals than any other brand yet only other brands get called out for “he only plays X because he’s paid by X”.
Titleist and the prov1 should be a business case study in marketing world wide.
Rj
Dec 7, 2016 at 7:13 pm
Yes. Thank you for letting us know that you’re an idiot
Progolfer
Dec 8, 2016 at 11:58 am
Ever since Callaway sued Titleist for their ProV1 design infringements, the ball hasn’t been anywhere near as good as it used to be. It’s shorter off the tee with more spin, and spins less around the greens. A lot of people don’t know this, but professionals are allowed to use the original ProV1’s with modern stampings on them– it doesn’t violate the lawsuit. There’s a reason so many pro’s play the “current” ProV1. My recommendation is if you find an older one in good shape, keep it!
Brian
Dec 8, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Not sure about Callaway, but I know Titleist pays Bridgestone a royalty for ever ProV1 sold due to patent infringements. Would be suprised if they stole tech from Callaway also.
chinchbugs
Dec 7, 2016 at 1:39 pm
I can’t wait to get those +2 yards with the irons!
Double Mocha Man
Dec 8, 2016 at 12:10 pm
… but you need to combine those 2 yards with the new irons that get you 6 extra yards and your new swing that gets you 8 extra yards… and presto chango, you’re 16 yards longer with your 9-iron!
chinchbugs
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Never thought of it that way…add that to the +17 I’ll be getting with the driver and I am up to +33 yards. That par 4 just went from mid iron in the wedge! Take my money TM!
(J/K I wouldn’t be so foolish to give TM any of my money)
Knut
Dec 11, 2016 at 11:32 am
Yes, you’re just a fool. Period.